Can't setup utilities without credit card issued by Canadian bank?

[wyho007]

I will land in a few weeks, how long does it take to receive my first credit card after application?

I'll need to setup a rental of apt as soon as I arrive. Someone told me I can't setup utilities account without a credit card issued by a Canadian bank, is that right? I thought utility companies charge deposits and that should take care of the fact that I don't have any credit history, no?

 

[xpressentry]

If it's your first house, try to take a place that has utilities included so that you have time to build a good credit score. RBC and Scotia Bank offer unsecured credit cards to new immigrants with a credit limit of $1000.

 

[NetMecca]

That sounds strange. Never heard of the requirement for credit card with utilities. I do not use credit cards for my utilities at all.

Deposits should work fine and paying from your bank account.

Unsecured credit may be hard, but you can get a secured card easily. Deposit (locked) the amount equivalent to the credit limit that you want. That should solve any credit card issues you may have. TD did that for me a few years ago.

Good luck

 

[APPNOV2014NY]

I will land in a few weeks, how long does it take to receive my first credit card after application?

I'll need to setup a rental of apt as soon as I arrive. Someone told me I can't setup utilities account without a credit card issued by a Canadian bank, is that right? I thought utility companies charge deposits and that should take care of the fact that I don't have any credit history, no?

This information is not correct. Most utilities company take money directly from your Checking/Saving account. If need arises , you can use your debit card for utilities payment.

 

[xpressentry]

Usually you pay for utilities through direct debit and that's out of the checking account. Utility providers would carry out a credit check as you would use first and then they would send you a bill to pay after you have the used the utility service. They need to make sure that you can for what they supply before they supply. You can be rejected or asked to pay something upfront if there is insufficient information about you on your credit file. Alternatively, if you bank with AmEx or HSBC, you can ask them to transfer your credit profile to the other country.

 

[wyho007]

Usually you pay for utilities through direct debit and that's out of the checking account. Utility providers would carry out a credit check as you would use first and then they would send you a bill to pay after you have the used the utility service. They need to make sure that you can for what they supply before they supply. You can be rejected or asked to pay something upfront if there is insufficient information about you on your credit file. Alternatively, if you bank with AmEx or HSBC, you can ask them to transfer your credit profile to the other country.

I'm renting and need to pay all utilities myself (the one I like). If deposit+payment from direct debit work, then I shouldn't have any problem. Otherwise, I can only look for rentals that include utilities. I will be staying at an Airbnb for a couple of weeks and will move as soon as possible.

 

[wyho007]

That sounds strange. Never heard of the requirement for credit card with utilities. I do not use credit cards for my utilities at all.

Deposits should work fine and paying from your bank account.

Unsecured credit may be hard, but you can get a secured card easily. Deposit (locked) the amount equivalent to the credit limit that you want. That should solve any credit card issues you may have. TD did that for me a few years ago.

Good luck

Thanks!

How long from the date of application to pickup of card?

 

[APPNOV2014NY]

Thanks!

How long from the date of application to pickup of card?

3-4 weeks. Credit card is mailed to your address.